[Letter From John Teackle to Charles Nicoll Bancker, April 17, 1809, Vol. 2]

George Town Col^a 17th April 1809

Dear Charles

I am this hour favour'd with your letter of the 14^th Current enclosing one to Gen^l Mason, which letter I suppose, I shall deliver, and place the subject before him on the best point of View I can, and had no doubt but with y^r suggestions, I can do it quite satisfactory to myself, for altho I concluded not knowing they were disposed of to deliver the goods pr the Phillipsb^g. being of small Importance; yet I am perfectly content with the sale, for Gen^l. Mason's illiberal conduct does not deserve better. In our conversation since my return, I supposed he would not Boggle at the Commissions, and Intended to have fully understood him before he can send another Invoice. If any more goods did arrive, and my plan was to've obtained his Supply on a different Contract, and in another Bargain or not to've attempted any thing more, so that of those Banketts for which an Invoice sent to M^r. Guest with explanations thereon did arrive. They did not go to the Public in that Shape. I shall think well of it and acct so as coincide with your letter and Ideas.

Your mother mends slowly and is troubled with an ugly cough. She with me, feels under exceeding great obligations to your good parents and yourself for their thought and Interest they and you you are taking for her. Nothing w^d be more gratifying to her to make the Visit to which she is so humbly invited. If her strength would allow it, of that she doubts as she has lately written to your Sarah and it w^d give

me the feast of gratifications towart upon her on that very pleasing visit. Time will alone suffer her to conclude, and be with us all, are very thankful and request you so mention it to Your parents. I have got for M^r Talbott 2 doz Hams which I will ship to him the first opportunity unless I am told otherwise, but if not wanted, they can readily be disposed of here. I shall send my daughter some Hams the next opportunity. In regard to the state of things existing between This Country and Gr Brittain, I will give you my Ideas regarding it; and add what appears to be course the administration are like to steer.

That Rumours are every where, of friendly overtures from GB. to this government, is I dare founded in truth. But everything is kept a dead Secret, both by their agents and our Papers. M^r. M is not so Leakey as M^r Jefferson. M^r. Erskine is with the Secretary of State almost every day, and indeed every day after the arrival of M^r Oakley, Except last Wednesday. I know that to be a fact. This day I could not see M^r. Smith in his office, because he was engaged with M^r Erskine. At two, today, M^r Erskine and M^r Oakley came here, and sat half and hour in my family. I never have seen M^r Erskine more Gay and lively in my life, and he has been so for a week or more part. I waited on him and his Secretary soon after I got home, and have seen him every day almost since, and he has great appearance of Vivacity always, so that taking what I see and the opinions of others, I do suppose friendly negotiations are Progressing. Again, I do Believe that overtures

were made to Brittain p^r the Pacific. This is also understood here. M^r. A. Lee, who has a particularly friendly confidence with M^r Graham, first clerk to M^r Secretary Smith; informed me in Confidence That, he knew (and I understood he had seen a Copy of the Instructions to M^r. Pinckney p^r the Pacific) and that they were in regard to the subject before us simply to this Effect. That we will take of all our Discus objectionable² to Brittain, if she will remove her orders in Council as they regard us. This my son should be said whether correct or not. He concluded That the Ad^m did expect an accomodation with England, and he supposd were sincere. And It is an opinion which gains ground here, That the Present administration will act on Just Principles, and that better things may be expected Than we have been used to under the odious administration of Jefferson. My mind and inquiry shall be on the start to discover any thing which may be of Service to your business, and I will surely give you every information in my power. In the mean time, I beg you'd from time to time inform me what you wish me to inquire. Eliza and myself dine on Fryday with the President. Your mother will not be able to go. I shall endeavour to sift things then and if I again see